Robbie Keane named as finalist for MLS MVP; Omar Gonzalez finalist for MLS Defender of the Year

CARSON, Calif. – Major League Soccer announced their end of the season awards on Wednesday which were headlined by Robbie Keane earning a place as a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award.

Keane tallied 16 goals and 11 assists while starting 22 of his 23 appearances with the LA Galaxy en route to his first finalist nod. The Galaxy captain was joined by Montreal forward Marco Di Vaio and former LA Galaxy forward and current Chicago Fire player Mike Magee. The award will be announced on Dec. 5 at the MLS Cup venue site.

Omar Gonzalez was also selected as finalist for MLS Defender of the Year. Gonzalez, who won the award in 2011 made 27 appearances tallying a goal and two assists. The Galaxy defender was joined by Matt Besler of Sporting Kansas City and the New England Revolution’s Jose Goncalves. Defender of the Year will be presented on Nov. 26

LA was also nominated as a finalist for the “Xbox Team Fair Play” award which is given based on fewest fouls committed, cards received, and on a subjective evaluation of sportsmanlike behavior. The fair play award will be issued on Nov. 25.

MLS also announced that their 2013 MLS Best XI will be announced on Dec. 3. Both Keane and Gonzalez are contenders for inclusion for that award.